Are our local pharmacies being asked to do too much? Member for Longman Terry Young has shared his concerns over pressing issues brought to his attention by some of the pharmacists in the local community. Bribie Island is home to four small very dedicated pharmacies. Some of these local healthcare professionals have raised several significant concerns regarding the Rural Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance (RPMA), as well as the 60-Day Dispensing Policy and its implications for the wellbeing of our community.
1. Rural Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance (RPMA): Despite a recent statement from the office of the Minister for Health Mark Butler, indicating an increase in RPMA from $3000 to $6000 for large rural towns like Bribie Island, it has come to our attention that none of the pharmacies on the Island currently qualify for RPMA. The only section of Bribie Island that qualifies is the National Park, where there are no pharmacies. These essential healthcare providers are currently receiving no financial support from this program and an immediate investigation has been demanded to rectify this situation.
2. Impact of 60-Day dispensing: The local pharmacists have sounded the alarm regarding the challenges they face due to the recent transition to 60-day dispensing. They are now forced to review their business operations, which may entail adjustments to opening hours and pricing for critical services like deliveries and Dose Administration Aids (DAA). The potential consequences of these changes are concerning, as they could lead to increased costs for patients and a reduction in services, particularly affecting nursing home residents on Bribie Island.
3. Community healthcare services at risk: The local pharmacists underscore the need to ensure that while medications remain affordable for patients, the burden of these policy changes should not fall on local community pharmacies. The increased costs incurred by these pharmacies could ultimately affect the broader community resulting in fewer services, limited access to pharmacy facilities and higher costs for patients. Vital services such as free blood pressure checks, blood glucose checks and subsidised deliveries may be scaled back or discontinued, impacting the health and wellbeing of the community.
Mr Young wholeheartedly supports the goal of affordable healthcare for our residents, but stresses the necessity to thoroughly assess the consequences of the 60-Day Dispensing Policy on Bribie Island.
“I am ready and willing to engage in further discussions with Minister Mark Butler to explore potential solutions that can protect the vital services provided by local pharmacies, while ensuring healthcare remains affordable and accessible to our constituents,” Mr Young said.